Community Service

Contributing to one’s community to make it a better place is a core theme that Pax Christi Port-au-Prince promotes within all its programming. We put this idea into action by providing coordinated opportunities for the youth to serve their neighborhood. One example is the relationship that has developed since the earthquake with the SOHAMO tent camp. This camp, which sprung up across from the program site after the 2010 earthquake, is primarily made up of disabled and elderly citizens. Entirely neglected by relief organizations, Pax Christi Port-au-Prince advocated on their behalf and were able to secure tents and clean water delivery. Pax Christi Port-au-Prince also serves one meal to residents there each day. Youth have gotten involved by serving the meals to those who are unable to walk to the kitchen tent. Their involvement in this and other community service has dramatically changed the way youth are seen in the neighborhood. Those elders who once feared the youth or were disrespected by them are now developing more positive interactions with the young people involved in the program. Furthermore, Pax Christi Port-au-Prince has partnered with SOLEY LEVE (rising sun), a grass roots neighborhood initiative to develop a leadership model in Cite Soleil. They are engaged in actions and project s encouraging peace and positive, nonviolent change there. This includes cleaning up the neighborhoods and providing lighted streets for added safety. Pax Christi Port-au-Prince inspired this effort and we are working hard with this new neighborhood campaign to help them extend this initiative to all parts of Cite Soleil.Finally, Pax Christi Port-au-Prince has formed YABEL or ‘One Haitian Dollar to Build Hope for Life’. This is a community service fund where youth collect money from concession sales during sporting and other events which goes to help other children, elderly, handicapped, and sick members in the community.